The Allegheny Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant to Seton Hill University toward the historical restoration costs of the renovation and expansion of Lowe Dining Hall. 

“On behalf of the Seton Hill University community, I extend gratitude to the Allegheny Foundation for its extraordinary support of the restoration and renovation of Lowe Dining Hall, a critically important and historic space on our campus,” said Mary C. Finger, Ed.D., Seton Hill President. “While Lowe Dining Hall remained relatively unchanged since it was built by our founders, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, nearly a century ago, Seton Hill’s student population has grown significantly. The restoration and renovation of Lowe provides increased dining and serving space for our students, faculty and staff while, at the same time, preserving its historic integrity."  

The $9.25 million project increases seating capacity to accommodate Seton Hill’s growing enrollment and allows 24-hour access to seating areas, enabling Lowe Dining Hall to also function as a space for activities, meetings, and informal gatherings.

Designed by EwingCole in Pittsburgh and constructed by PJ Dick Inc., the Lowe project included the addition of a 7,000-square-foot, two-story building attached to the original dining hall that expanded serving areas, food service offices and storage.

The project also renovated and restored 20,000 square-feet of dining space. The renovation added air conditioning, introduced acoustical elements to reduce sound, and repaired brick columns and the original terrazzo tile floor. It also restored the original stained glass windows and stenciling found on the arched ceilings and beams.  

Based in Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Foundation concentrates its giving in the Western Pennsylvania area and confines most of its grant awards to programs for historic preservation, civic development, and education.